Archive for 7/1/09 - 8/1/09

Lucky number 13.... :)
These challenges posted by Dawn McVey are just so much fun - I can't help myself :)
What a lively, vivid color combo. I could't wait to sink my teeth in - funny to use the food analogy - I think these colors make me hungry!!!
Here is my card...
You can't see it well in the pics but I popped the flowers and a few of the leaves up on dimensionals.
This week was much more subdued - still busy but at least manageable. After work this evening, I went out with a few people to a local sushi place - it was a lot of fun. We had a few new people start recently so it was nice to socialize a bit away from the office. Plus, the sushi was Y-U-M-M-Y :) Came home to spend a bit of time with the hubs then up to the craftroom. It's late now (well, late for me). Can sleep in a bit tomorrow - I love Friday nights :)
TTFN,
Andrea
Addendum 8/2/09: After much agonizing (huge props to the big guy if these are the biggest problems I have to "agonize" over right now - I am thankful every day!), I altered my submission - there was something about the card I wasn't crazy about and I really didn't like the photos. Such a beautiful day outside today - thought I would take advantage of it :) The sun muted the colors a bit but I'm much happier with the pics.
Thanks so much for looking! Comments are always appreciated!

Another first! I figured I'd take on the Timeless Template Challenge using timeless templates created by Lauren Meader. I LOVE her timeless templates; they are, in short, amazing - I don't know how she comes up with incredible designs every month. I'm in creative awe... So easy to use and the results are amazing. I've only used the ones I've bought a few times but I plan on using them more and more. I love the color inspiration she chose. My biggest challenge was definitely using the hardware as I don't tend to use much (don't have much either).

My plan seemed solid when I started - had the design idea and thought it would make a perfect gift for a friend once filled with her favorite little candies). The final result, however, wasn't quite all I'd hoped it would be. I kept looking for ideas to make the individual circles 'pop' a bit more. The buttons worked well but I wanted to stamp a bit more with this project. I decided against it in the beginning because I didn't want it to look too fussy - but now it seems to lack something. The dotted lines I left on the outside - very much by accident at first :) - but I ended up sort of liking the stitch-like effect. Again, didn't use much hardware - just a brad and an eyelet. A bit sad really :( In the end, I added a few stickles to the box itself and the cupcake tag. Any other suggestions? The template was super easy to put together though - pretty neat :) Ah well... I got to spend some great time in the craft room :)
Blech, it's raining outside. My little tortie, Lil, is fascinated by the raindrops hitting the deck. Thought I'd include a pic of her cute little behind :)
Thanks so much for looking.
TTFN.
Andrea
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Materials (all PTI unless otherwise stated)
Stamps: Cupcake Collection
Paper: White select, spring moss, ocean tides, spring rain
Ink: Color box teal, amber and chestnut pigment ink
Other: Lauren Meader's Get a Handle On It timeless template, spring moss ribbon, twine, eyelet, brad, nestabilities circle and scalloped circle and oval, crystal stickles, spring rain and new leaf buttons

It's amazing what a relaxing day can do for your spirits :). I slept in a little, ate breakfast, lazily browsed the web, then went shopping for a few crafting odds and ends and craftroom organization material. My husband got off work and we went grocery shopping then I spent the evening in the craftroom making a version of this project from Nichole Heady's website. I love the idea and it is so handy; however, I did not have a binding machine and let's just say it doesn't look as profesisonal :). But it works! I especially love the idea of adding color combinations - it really is so simple but such a useful item, especially with my growing Papertrey paper collection :)
Well, off to bed. Up relatively early to walk the dogs at this lovely little park close to where we live. The rest of the day is, well, unplanned - which, after this past week, is perfectly fine with me :)
TTFN :)

It's been one of those weeks - just can't seem to get my head on straight... I get things straightened out then something else goes haywire. Crazy... I'm really happy the weekend is here. I could use the mental break, get my mind back on track...
Here's a card I made for my little sister's birthday. After I took the picture and before I mailed it, I added glossy accents to the cupcake top to set it off some and then some stickles here and there on the scarlet jewel cardstock. Wish I'd remembered to take another pic...
Outside...
Inside...
Anyway, I'm relaxing at home, watching my dogs play outside as the air cools in the waning hours of evening sun. My oldest boy, Spencer, is zooming around, running in all kinds of crazy directions. I guess life is pretty good after all :)
TTFN :)
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Materials
Stamps: Cupcake Collection and birthday basics (PTI)
Paper: PTI Scarlet jewel, kraft, white select; also gold metallic and My Mind's Eye cardstock
Ink: PTI Scarlet jewel, Tsukineko Brilliance graphite black, versamark and gold embossing powder
Other: PTI scarlet jewel ribbon, nestabilities labels and circles dies, copics, sewing machine

I have to mail pictures out to friends from their visit over a month ago (I work slowly....). I figured what a great time to make a few cards :). Love PTI vintage picnic (even though I didn't stamp much for this set) and love My Mind's Eye patterned paper! These came together pretty quickly too.
Off to read a few papers for work. Would rather be making cards....
TTFN
Andrea
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Materials
Stamps: Vintage picnic sentiments and polka dot basics (PTI)
Paper: PTI Scarlet jewel, ocean tides, My Mind's Eye cardstock, DCWAV cream
Ink: versamark, gold embossing powder, teal color blox pigment ink
Other: PTI scarlet jewel ribbon, green and cream ribbon, nestabilities long rectangles die, brads and dew drops, scor pal

Well, I've been lurking around many challenge sites and blogs and finally decided to enter. The amount of shared information, tips, techniques, inspiration, etc one can find is truly astounding. The paper crafting community seems so giving and caring - even for those with only internet connections (pardon the terrible pun...). Time for my card - here goes :). This was created for Dawn McVey's Raspberry Color Suite Challenge #12. I would have never thought of these colors on my own but I love the result (admittedly, it did take me FOREVER to put together as I was extra picky I think :)). I love her site - so inspirational and she has such an eye for fun color combos :)
It was really fun and I hope I can participate in a lot more. A HUGE thanks to all who so generously share their time, products and insight!!! It has been so helpful and welcoming ;)
Thanks for stopping by and TTFN!
Andrea
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Materials
Stamps: Cupcake Collection (PTI)
Paper: PTI Scarlet jewel, spring moss, raspberry fizz, My Mind's Eye cardstock, DCWAV cream
Ink: PTI Scarlet jewel, Tsukineko Brilliance graphite black
Other: PTI scarlet jewel ribbon, Scarlet jewel buttons, friskars threading water punch, corner rounder, nestabilities labels die, glitter, sewing machine, copics and airbrushing system